Millionaire Cocktail Recipe

The Millionaire is a cocktail that arose during Prohibition....

Wait, no, scratch that. The Millionaire is a group of drinks that arose during Prohibition, all sharing the same name but with wildly different recipes. You can find a version that calls for sloe gin, apricot brandy, and rum, alongside grenadine and lime juice. Trader Vic had a version that uses gin, vermouth, grenadine, and pineapple juice. (I haven't tried it; I hear it's kind of vile.)

The one I really like is a version with rye (or bourbon), grenadine, pastis, curaçao or Grand Marnier, and an egg white. It's rich and mildly creamy, with mellow whiskey flavors rounded out by sweet fruitiness and just a hint of anise. It's a drink with balance and grace, and one that reminds you that you don't need to be wealthy to feel like a million bucks.

Some recipes call for lemon juice to provide a bit of balance to the sweet flavors, but I don't feel it's necessary. I'm listing it as an optional ingredient here, so add it if you think it's needed.

I prefer either rye or a spicy bourbon, such as Wild Turkey, rather than a sweeter bourbon, such as Maker's Mark, for this drink.